Fly Fish Key West For Bonefish
Key West and the Lower Keys are known in the fishing world as one of the premiere locations to fly fish for bonefish.
There was a time in the not so distant past that bonefish were few and far between in Key West and the Lower Keys, but these days that is not the case. In recent years bonefish have become the most consistent fish in the area to target year-round. They are literally everywhere and spend the majority of their time on or near the flats. Bonefish feed hard in shallow water and can often be found cruising, waking, crawling, and tailing the flats while searching for their next meal. They can be seen as singles, doubles, small and large schools but more often than not, when a bonefish is spotted, there are at least a handful of them together.
We are learning that sometime in the spring many of our bonefish congregate offshore in a spawning event that may last a few days. Bigger schools of bonefish are common in the this time of year. When the summer arrives, it usually means our best bonefishing of the year. The shallow water can get hot, but when the tide is right and the water temps are tolerable, bonefish can be seen doing their thing all across the Lower Florida Keys and provide the kind of fishing that anglers of all skill levels dream of.
Bonefish Fly Fishing In Key West, FL
A successful day spent bonefishing Key West and the Lower Keys is dependent on a handful of key factors. The first of which is the tide. Generally speaking, the best bonefishing happens on lower tides. Bonefish can be caught on higher tides, but Key West bonefish average about four pounds and are relatively difficult to see with a lot of water over their backs. Days usually start around the tides, and if a low tide lines up with sunrise, the day might get started early while the bones can seen waking and tailing in the skinny. More often than not, a day of bonefishing will start with some sunrise tarpon fishing. When the sun gets high enough to provide the kind of visibility needed to effectively target them, the gears will shift into bonefish mode.
The bonefish in Key West and the Lower Keys are relatively forgiving and are a great quarry for fly anglers both new and experienced in the game. They will sometimes bump off the boat and still grab a fly. Precision casting isn’t always necessary as a fly placed near the path of a moving bonefish and stripped in a relatively natural movement will get bit more often than not. Key West and the Lower Keys is historically know as a place where anglers go to test their game, and having all of these happy bonefish around is a nice change of pace as it increases the chances anglers of all abilities have of coming tight on some fish while in Key West. It is also great practice to have shots at fish in fishing conditions, and when that shot of a lifetime at a tailing permit finally presents itself, most anglers will have more confidence, and thus better chances at feeding it the fly after a few reps with bones.
Bonefish and permit have the tendency to frequent the same areas, and when the tide is ideal for both, there is a real chance for shots at permit while looking for bonefish. When the tide is not ideal for either, sometimes it might be time better spent looking for tarpon until the next bonefishing window of opportunity presents itself.
Key West Bonefish Fly Fishing Charter Details
Capt. Chandler Williams offers full day and half day Key West bonefish trips and multiple boats are available for groups of more than 2 people. Contact us for current rates and availability. All trips include tackle/flies, fuel costs, launch fees, and a cooler with water and ice.
Payments And Deposits
Cash, Check or Venmo.
Credit cards through Venmo (additional service charges may occur)
$150 per day per guide deposit for all trips
Venmo or mail deposits to:
Chandler Williams
17A 12th Ave
Key West, FL 33040
What To Bring
Polarized sunglasses (amber, copper, and green lenses preferred)
Hat and any needed sun protection
9, 10, & 12 wt. rods (if own gear is preferred)
Quick drying clothing
Rain gear, jackets and pants
Shoes with non-marking soles
A positive attitude (most important part of having a successful trip)
Capt. Chandler Williams
Capt. Chandler is a full-time Florida fly fishing guide and a tarpon nomad. He fishes different areas of the state year-round to provide his clients the best possible opportunity to catch the fish of their dreams.
